CARE home bosses are determined to prove Christmas is not cancelled for their residents by becoming the brightest place for miles over this festive period.

Margaret Brodie, activities co-ordinator for Fuxborrow Grange in Ypres Road, Colchester, wants to light up the outside of the home and is appealing for anyone with yuletide outside lights or ornaments they no longer want to donate them to the home.

They have already been gifted a huge Christmas tree by the Hunnaball Family Funeral group which is set to arrived at the end of November.

Ms Brodie said: "Everyone, not just our residents, have had so much to worry about this year.

"We want to make Christmas extra special this year.

"Even if it comes to them being confined to their rooms, I want them to be able to look outside and see that it is still Christmas.

"I am determined it is going to happen.

"We always decorate massively internally - I am a big fan of Christmas and I think it rubs off on other people.

"It is sad, but for some people living here, it might be the last Christmas they see so we want to make it a wonderful time.

"I am determined that by hook or by crook it is going to happen.

"I am appealing for anyone who has a display or lights they are thinking of getting rid of to bring it in and donate it to us.

"It will also be beneficial for the whole community to be able to drive nearby, see the lights and feel the festive spirit."

The care home has more than 60 residents.

Some are in their 60s while their eldest is 101.

Ms Brodie said restrictions brought about by the coronavirus pandemic had undoubtedly had an impact.

"We have tried to be positive throughout and the staff have been putting on activities like a Mad Hatter's Tea Party last week," she said.

"We are lucky because we have quite a big space and can keep people at a distance.

"At the moment, relatives can come in once a week but beforehand people were used to be able to come in everyday if they wanted.

"But the relatives understand the situation and we promote what we are doing on Facebook so they can see what is happening even if they cannot come in."

Anyone with spare lights should call the home on 01206 586980.